Jesus asked this question in Matthew 16:13-19
It seems that everybody has a different opinion.
Is it possible that even today, people think Jesus to be different things? Jesus is somebody different to each of us? I wouldn't be surprised. Just think of your own life. Who did you think Jesus was when you were a child? I certainly think of Jesus differently, as an adult.
The thinking process matures, as does our faith, just like Peter's. I'm not sure Peter understood what he was guessing when he gave the correct response, "the Messiah." He listened to the other guesses, "Elijah," "John the Baptist," "Jeremiah." And then Peter, being Peter, impulsively guessed, "the Messiah."
That's it. Peter was blessed. He gave the correct answer. He was the one chosen to give the correct answer, the one Jesus commended for responding to the grace, the one upon whom God would build his church. The one Jesus then praised. The one who was blessed. The one whom Jesus named Peter, our first Pope.
Just as our faith as children grew and develops as we mature, so did Peter's. His lucky guess, "Messiah," is denied, up to three times. Do we do that, too?
Peter feels that he has denied his friend, his rabbi, and instantly regrets his words. He considers what he has done. He has denied the Lord.
Now, is where I see proof that Peter truly understands that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. His self-recriminatory grief over his actions prove to me that he believes. Matt 27: 75 and he went out and wept bitterly.
Consider this. Judas also believed. You are the Son of the Living God.
I do too.
